Date: 	Sun, 12 May 1996 22:13:39 -1000
From: Mia H H Lam <mial@hawaii.edu>
Subject: LOCAL NEWS MAY 10 (fwd)


		    HAWAII' FUTURE TODAY PUTS LARGE AD
		     ATTACKING 15 SENATORS WHO VOTED
			NO ON A CONSTITUTIONAL BAN

	Yesterday, Hawaii's Future Today attacked the 15 Senators
who voted against a constitutional ban on same gender marriage,
and praised the 10 who voted for the ban.  Governor Cayetano criticized
the attack, saying that the 15 Senators were brave (broadcast at
6 on two of the 4 news stations).  Today, JACL and ACLU put a much
smaller ad in the newspapers, thanking the 15 senators.

	Take this opportunity to thank the 15 Senators as you see fit!

	Let Hawaii's Future Today's money work against them by inspiring
you to make friendly contact with the 15 Senators and their staffs.

	h.e.r.m.p activists have created a new organization, Friends of
h.e.r.m.p, to do some of the advertising and political work that h.e.r.m.p
can't do (h.e.r.m.p contributions are tax-deductible, which puts limits
on what h.e.r.m.p can do).  Apparently, Hawaii's Future Today hasn't been
as careful.  The state's election's commission is questioning some of
their expenditures and their failure to file reports on political activities.

	Friends of h.e.r.m.p is finalizing  arrangements for a nationwide
900-number, 1-900-97-MARRY, effective June 1.  By calling that number,
$5 would be charged to your long distance phone bill (or more, if you choose).
Friends of h.e.r.m.p will receive your donation.  THIS IS MAJOR NEW GROUND
FOR NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS ACTIVITY.  NEVER BEFORE, HAS A NATIONAL
EFFORT BEEN MADE TO REACH THE AVERAGE GAY AND LESBIAN ON THE STREET!!!!!

	In the meantime, Congressional Republicans are trying to limit
the impact of Hawaii's marriage case on the mainland, but allowing states
to reject same gender marriages from other states.  Depending on who sits
on the Supreme Court, this Republican strategy may well violate the
federal constitution's "Full Faith and Credit" clause.

	More seriously, Congressional Republicans want to define marriage
for federal purposes (immigration, taxes, inheritance taxes, etc.) as
strictly heterosexual.  This is a much grayer area constitutionally.

	CALL YOUR CONGRESSMEN on this issue!


						Best, Tom Ramsey